When the weather gets steamy, a hot dinner from the oven loses some of its appeal.
That’s when we turn to these low-effort, high-flavor dinners for a deliciously refreshing night in.
Mix it up with different flavors of hummus and different types of vegetables depending on your mood.
Photo: Kelsey Hansen
Fresh basil elevates an easy vinaigrette recipe that dresses up this simple salad into something extraordinary.
A garlicky oil and vinegar dressing brings everything together.
White Bean & Veggie Salad
This meatless main-dish salad combines creamy, satisfying white beans and avocado.
Kelsey Hansen
Try mixing it up with different seasonal vegetables.
Avocado Chicken Salad
This avocado chicken salad is herbaceous, bright and creamy.
The blend of cilantro, dill and chives pairs nicely with fresh avocado.
Enjoy this easy chicken salad over lettuce, on crackers or in a wrap.
Caprese Sandwich
This caprese sandwich is fresh from the basil and hearty from thick, crusty ciabatta.
The sun-dried tomatoes deepen the flavor.
No-Cook Black Bean Salad
A classic black bean salad is a must for picnics and potlucks.
This vegan version gets its creaminess from blended avocado.
Double the recipe and refrigerate to have on hand throughout the week.
Caitlin Bensel
The extra dressing is delicious served with grilled vegetables.
Avocado Tuna Salad
Jazz up a can of tuna with this easy avocado tuna salad recipe.
Romaine hearts and cucumber offer refreshing crunch.
Photographer / Jennifer Causey, Food Stylist / Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist / Christine Keely
Here, we combine it with avocados in an easy no-cook meal.
We love the unique combination of blueberries, edamame, and goat cheese.
They look impressive but they’re easy enough for kids to assemble themselves for an easy lunch or dinner.
Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Ruth Blackburn
We love the crunch of the sunflower seeds and the unexpected flavor of roasted peppers.
It’ll keep you energized until dinner.
Feel free to swap in your other favorite sandwich vegetables, sprouts or greens.
Photo by: Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
If you’re able to’t find dried figs, try swapping in dried apricots.
Serve with toasted pita brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with dried oregano or za’atar.
Stuff avocado halves with it for a sensational lunch or light supper.
Carolyn A. Hodges, R.D.
Serve over brown rice instead of the zucchini noodles to add a hearty boost of fiber.
Turkey & Cheddar Lettuce Wraps
Crispy green lettuce leaves hold the filling inside this low-carb turkey wrap.
It’s perfect for lunch or a quick, easy dinner on the go.
Greg DuPree
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, mix in freshly chopped basil or dill instead.
Whole-Wheat Veggie Wrap
Use whichever veggies you have on hand to fill up this veggie wrap.
The avocado and hummus help hold the wrap together–and provide heart-healthy fat and fiber.
Served over baby spinach, this is the perfect easy and light lunch or dinner salad.
Photography / Greg DuPree, Styling / Ruth BlackBurn / Julia Bayless
Joy Howard
Katie Webster
